Victoria moves to ban plastic bags

Victoria is moving to ban plastic bags from November in order to protect the state's rivers, waterways, oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution.

Single use plastic shopping bags will be banned in Victoria from November. (AAP) Source: AAP

Lightweight, single-use plastic shopping bags will be banned across Victoria from November.

The state government is introducing a bill into parliament on Wednesday to ban the bags from retail outlets including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast-food outlets, convenience stores and service stations.

Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said more than 10 million lightweight bags end up becoming litter each year and the ban is a crucial step in protecting Victoria's rivers, waterways, oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution.